Dear Parent/Carer

Important information below

Please note that all Bridgend schools are closed from Friday 20 March.

However, Bridgend County Borough Council will opening five community hubs to offer emergency childcare facilities for the children of parents/carers who are critical to the COVID-19 response.

While I fully appreciate that many of you are in important jobs, in Bridgend, we have defined key workers as those who work for:

• National Health Service;
• Police;
• Fire and Rescue Service;
• Ambulance Service;
• HM Prison Service;
• Social care; and
• Childcare.

It is important to note that childcare facilities will only be available for those children whose

parent(s) (either or both) are directly employed by any of the organisations listed above. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.

Please, therefore, follow these key principles:

• If it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be.
• If a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then childcare provision will be available for them.
• Parents should not rely upon childcare for those who are advised to be in the stringent social distancing category such as grandparents, friends, or family members with underlying conditions.
• Parents should also do everything they can to ensure children are not mixing socially in a way which can continue to spread the virus. They should observe the same social distancing principles as adults.

If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, and you cannot keep your child safe at home, and have no alternative option but to request emergency childcare provision, then your children will be prioritised for community hub provision. This is an evolving model and eligibility will alter over time (eg pupils who are classed as vulnerable)

If you meet all of the critical criteria outlined above, please complete the following form and return it via email as a matter of urgency to EDFSCOVID19@bridgend.gov.uk ideally by 6pm today (Friday 20 March) or at the very latest by 6pm on Saturday 21 March.

I am grateful to you for your patience and continuing support during these challenging times.

L. I Harvey

Corporate Director – Education and Family Support
Bridgend County Borough Council

Emergency Childcare Provision Form

Pupil name(s) and year groups

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Parent/carer(s) occupations

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Emergency childcare requirements for next week

Parent/Carer name(s):        ________________________________________________

Parent/Carer address:         ________________________________________________

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Parent/Carer email:             ________________________________________________

Parent/Carer mobile:           ________________________________________________